Bangladesh: JMBF and SIL Express Strong Concern Over the Recent Arrest of Two Lesbian Individuals in Tangail

 Paris, France; April 30, 2024: France-based rights organizations JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) and Solidarity International LGBTQI (SIL) jointly express profound concern and outrage over the recent arrest of two lesbian individuals from Tangail, Bangladesh, on April 21, 2024, due to their sexual orientation and same-sex relationship.

JMBF and SIL believe the arrest of the two lesbian women, who wished to marry, is a grave violation of their fundamental human rights and dignity as declared in the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Can we evade accountability for the death of transgender model Radia Teherin Utsha?

On Monday, April 22, 2024, Radia Teherin Utsha, a 19-year-old transgender model, tragically ended her life by jumping from the sixth-floor roof of Byatikram Mahila Hostel in Mirpur, Dhaka. Radia, a student in the honors first year at Mirpur Bangla College, took this drastic step.

The recent suicides of transgender individuals in Bangladesh, including Radia Tehrin Uthso who tragically took her own life, serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for societal change. These heartbreaking losses highlight the profound challenges faced by transgender people in our country, challenges that demand immediate attention and decisive action from all sectors of society.

The young woman was seriously injured after leaping from the female hostel located at Mahua Manzil, Mirpur-10. Despite efforts to save her, Radia succumbed to her injuries at the emergency department of Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital. It has been revealed that Radia had been concealing her transgender identity during her six-month stay at the hostel.

Statement:JMBF Expresses Grave Concern Over Alleged Police Torture Deaths in Sunamganj and Thakurgaon

Paris, France; April 24, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expressed deep concern regarding the deaths of two individuals, including a leader of Jubo Dal, allegedly due to brutal torture by police in Sunamganj and Thakurgaon on April 16 and 8, 2023, respectively.

Demanding exemplary punishment for the perpetrators of these alleged gross human rights violations, JMBF calls for the establishment of an inquiry committee led by a judicial magistrate to ensure integrity and transparency in the investigation process.

According to report published in different new media in Bangladesh, JMBF learned that On April 16, 2024, Tuesday evening, Ramiz Mia (50) from Burungamara village in North Sreepur Union of Tahirpur, Sunamganj, allegedly died in police custody during his arrest by members of the Tahirpur Police Station.

JMBF deeply mourns the recent tragic suicidal death of transgender model Radia Teherin Utsha in Dhaka.

Paris, France; April 23, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) deeply mourns the tragic suicidal death of transgender model Radia Teherin Utsha in Dhaka on April 22, 2024. JMBF believes that Radia Teherin Utsha's death is a sobering reminder of the human cost of prejudice and discrimination. We should honor her memory by redoubling our efforts to create a society where all people are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their gender identity.

JMBF learned from its reliable sources that Radia Teherin Utsha, a 19-year-old transgender model, tragically ended her life by jumping from the sixth-floor roof of Byatikram Mahila Hostel in Mirpur, Dhaka. Radia, a student in the honors first year at Mirpur Bangla College, took this drastic step on April 22, Monday, around 8:00 PM.

প্রেস বিবৃতি: ফরিদপুরে সাম্প্রদায়িক হামলায় দুই নির্মান শ্রমিক নিহতের ঘটনায় জেএমবিএফ গভীর ভাবে উদ্বিগ্ন!

প্যারিস, ফ্রান্স, ২০ এপ্রিল ২০২৪- গত ১৮ এপ্রিল ২০২৪ তারিখ বৃহষ্পতিবার দিবাগত রাতে ফরিদপুরের মঘুখালীতে মন্দিরে আগুন দেয়ার সন্দেহে হিন্দু ধর্মাম্বলী স্থানীয় জনগণের পিটুনিতে ইসলাম ধর্মাম্বলী দুই নির্মান শ্রমিকের মৃর্ত্যু এবং অন্তত সাতজন আহত হওয়ার ঘটনায় জাস্টিস মেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ) গভীর উদ্বেগ প্রকাশ করেছে। 

উক্ত ঘটনায় অবিলম্বে বাংলাদেশ সুপ্রীম কোর্টের হাইকোর্ট বিভাগের বিজ্ঞ বিচারপতিকে প্রধান করে বিচার বিভাগীয় তদন্ত কমিটির মাধ্যমে সমগ্র বিষয়টি দ্রুত ও নিরপেক্ষে তদন্তপূর্বক দায়ী ব্যক্তিদের চিহ্নিত ও গ্রেফতারপূর্বক প্রচলিত আইনে স্বচ্ছ ও প্রকাশ্য বিচারে দৃষ্টান্তমূলক শাস্তি প্রদানের আহবান জানিয়েছে ফ্রান্স ভিত্তিক মানবাধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠান জেএমবিএফ।

JMBF Granted Membership to International Observatory on Participatory Democracy

 Today, on April 19, 2024, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has achieved a significant milestone by officially becoming a member of the International Observatory on Participatory Democracy (IOPD) network. The announcement, delivered by the IOPD Steering Committee, marks a pivotal moment for the organization, highlighting its dedication to advancing democratic principles globally.

The approval of JMBF's membership underscores its unwavering commitment to promoting participatory democracy and fostering citizen engagement, both in Bangladesh and beyond. Under the leadership of Advocate Shahanur Islam, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at empowering communities and amplifying the voices of marginalized groups, with a particular focus on advocating for the rights of the LGBT community.

Statement: JMBF Condemns Detention of Lesbian Couple in Bagerhat, Bangladesh

Paris, France; March 16, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expressed profound concern regarding the recent detention of a married lesbian couple by the Mongla police station in Bargethat. The detention followed a homophobic local public protest against the couple's expression of their sexual orientation and their marriage on April 13, 2024.

The France-based rights organization is deeply troubled by the police's actions in detaining the couple for 24 hours solely because of their decision to marry as a same-sex couple. JMBF views this incident as a blatant violation of the couple's constitutional rights and their dignity.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France Granted Membership to Association for Women's Rights in Development

On April 13, 2024, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) was granted membership to the Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID). This exciting development underscores JMBF's commitment to advancing gender equality and women's rights both locally and globally.

The news of JMBF's membership was met with great enthusiasm by the organization's members and supporters. "We are thrilled to have become members of AWID and to join forces with such a prestigious organization dedicated to promoting women's rights and gender justice," said Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France.

JMBF and SIL Join Forces at Salon De Association LGBT+ in Paris, France

 JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) and Solidarity International LGBTQI (SIL) recently collaborated to participate in the Salon De Association LGBT+ organized by the Inter LGBT in Paris, France, on April 7 and 8, 2024.

Representatives including Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF, Robert Simon, President of SIL, WHITNEY ANTHONY, and Hervé CALDO, Board member of SIL, were present at the event on behalf of their respective organizations amongst others.

The highlight of their joint participation was the establishment of an information booth, where JMBF and SIL showcased an array of educational materials, informational resources, and communication tools. This booth served as a hub for engaging with attendees, disseminating crucial information, and fostering dialogue on LGBTQI rights, activism, and advocacy efforts.

Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Conviction of Transgender Individuals in Dhaka, Demands Immediate Release

Paris, France; April 7, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the recent conviction and imprisonment of five individuals from the transgender/third gender/hijra community on charges of extortion and public disturbance at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka, on April 6, 2024.

France-based Rights Organization JMBF believes that this action, aimed at the sexual minority transgender/hijra/third gender community, will exacerbate the marginalization of an already vulnerable group in society and perpetuate harmful stereotypes, failing to address the root causes of their alleged behavior and activities.

JMBF Secures Grant to Publish Groundbreaking LGBTQI+ Rights Report in Bangladesh 2022

 In a significant stride towards amplifying LGBTQI+ rights advocacy, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has been awarded a grant from the Embassy of France in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The grant, received on April 1, 2024, is earmarked for the publication of the "Annual State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2022" report.

This collaborative effort between JusticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBD) and JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) signifies a landmark initiative in documenting and addressing violations against LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh. The report is poised to provide an exhaustive analysis of the challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ community, encompassing legal, social, and cultural dimensions throughout the year 2022.

Statement: JMBF Condemns Brutal Murder of Transgender Reshma Khatun, Calls for Swift Action and Legal Reforms

Paris, France; April 03, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern over the brutal murder of Reshma Khatun (25), a third-gender individual, whose decomposed body was discovered in March 2024 in the Kagajpukur graveyard of Benapole Port Police Station in Jessore, Bangladesh.

The France-based rights organization calls for the swift identification and apprehension of those responsible for this heinous act through a prompt, impartial, and transparent investigation, followed by exemplary punishment after a fair trial.

According to news published in various newspapers in Bangladesh, it has been learned that the police recovered the decomposed body of Reshma Khatun (25), a third gender individual, from the Kagajpukur graveyard of Benapole Port Police Station in Jessore.

Subject: Clarification Regarding Application Status for Summer School on EU Law and Policy Dear Nicole Bosmans, I hope this email finds you well. Thank you for acknowledging my application for the Summer School on European Union Law and Policy on Immigration and Asylum. I appreciate the opportunity to provide clarification regarding my chosen status as "Other Status" in the application form. As a refugee from Bangladesh currently residing in France, I opted for this category to accurately reflect my unique circumstances. While I do not fall directly under the traditional categories listed in the application form, I believe that my background and experiences offer a valuable perspective on immigration and asylum issues, particularly within the context of EU law and policy. Considering my circumstances as a citizen of a developing country and a refugee living in France, I am respectfully requesting your assistance in securing a full scholarship to cover all expenses related to attending the summer school. This would include travel, accommodation, meals, and any other incidental costs associated with participation. I am eager to engage in discussions, learn from esteemed experts, and contribute to the dialogue on these critical topics during the summer school. Please let me know if any further information or documentation is required to support my application. Thank you once again for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to participate in the summer school. Sincerely yours, M. Shahanur Islam

 In a significant move towards advancing SOGIE rights in Bangladesh, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBD) Founder President, Advocate Shahanur Islam, engaged in a fruitful dialogue with France's Ambassador for LGBT, Jean Marc Berthon, on April 2, 2024, at the ambassador's office.

Advocate Shahanur initiated the dialogue by shedding light on the current state of sexual minority rights in Bangladesh, particularly addressing prevalent misinformation campaigns targeting transgender individuals. One focal point of discussion was the concerning issue of transgender inclusion in school textbooks in Bangladesh, highlighting the urgent need for accurate representation and education on transgender issues.